BLM Issues Environmental Review of Uranium Mine

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Bureau of Land Management has released its final environmental analysis of the proposed Lost Creek uranium mine in a remote area of southwest Wyoming.

The BLM recommends that the project be allowed as long as the mined uranium solution is dried on site.

Colorado-based UR-Energy plans to use a process called in-situ mining. A chemical solution is injected into underground uranium formations to yield a uranium-bearing solution that is pumped to the surface through hundreds of wells.

UR-Energy then would dry the solution into solid yellowcake.

The BLM will take more public comment on the project until Sept. 17. It could issue final approval by early October, allowing UR-Energy to begin mining.

Environmental groups are concerned the mine will disturb vital wildlife habitat in the Red Desert.